Two key elements in having intimacy with God are prayer and the Word.  We come to the Word of God not just to read it, but to understand what He is saying to us and to determine how He wants us to apply it to our lives; asking Him for the strength and will to apply it.  Finally, writing it down and sharing it with another so that they might also learn.

This Week: Study (Ephesians 5:21-33) using an acrostic called: 2PROAPT.

• Pray – Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the passage and give you understanding. Remember, your goal is to meet with Him, so spend time in Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication (ACTS) – the supplication is to understand the Word, to know Him and to enjoy Him!
• Preview – Read the passage quickly; what’s the topic or theme? Did you notice anything in particular?
• Read – Read the passage again more slowly.  Is God trying to tell you something?  Is there something you haven’t noticed before?  
• Observe – Read the passage again.  Look at each word; each phrase; vary the emphasis you place on the words.  What is He saying to you; what is He asking you to do?  Paraphrase the passage in your own words.
• Apply – Is there a command to obey; a sin to confess or an action to take?  How can you apply this scripture to your life?  Does He want you to do it now?
• Pray – Pray that He would enable you to do what He has told you to do in applying the scripture. Memorize (Phil 2:13); stand upon its truth. Be still before Him, listen, and let the Word saturate your thoughts and your heart.
• Tell – Write in your journal what He has revealed to you, then share with someone what you have learned. Don’t place your light under a basket (Mt 5:15).
  

Remember to have a plan, a place, a purpose (to meet with Him), and finally – PERSEVERE, even when you don’t feel like it or think you don’t have time; early mornings can be wonderful in His presence!

Based upon Dr. Stanley’s “How to Listen to God.” 

To cultivate a daily walk with Christ – to know Him more intimately, we need to come to Him focused upon Him.  We should have a plan when we come to Him that includes meditating upon the Word.  Start in one of the Gospels like John or an epistle like Philippians, read a chapter a day.  Let the Holy Spirit guide you as you read.   A good discipline is to use a prayer journal to write down what you say to Him and what He says to you.  Here are some factors to consider when you pray, read, and meditate: 

1.      Time - Set aside a certain time of the day, I like early mornings to start my day with Him (Psalm 5:3), but the time of day is not as important as consistency.  Listen to Him, allow His Spirit to fill you and equip you for the day ahead!

2.      Stillness – If you’re going to meditate upon the Lord, stillness is vital (Psalm 46:10; Psalm 62:5).  Fix your thoughts upon Him; be sensitive to His presence, His goodness, and His Grace.

3.      Seclusion – Sometimes God wants your absolute, undivided attention; He wants a private time with you. Even Jesus needed time alone with the Father and so do you (Mark 1:35). His private workings are often the most precious.

4.      Silence – If we are quiet before The Lord, He can interject His thoughts into our minds and hearts. Silence and seclusion allow our hearts to clearly perceive what the Lord is saying to us (Isaiah 30:15). He may give you a passage of scripture, reveal a truth, or give you peace.

5.      Self-control – As we begin to meditate, we may have to labor a little mentally to focus our attention on God; a psalm can help center our thoughts. Begin to think just about Him, become lost in His Majesty! (Proverbs 8:34)

6.      Submission – We must humble ourselves and submit to the Lord (James 4:10). If we are rebellious in our hearts, we won’t meditate.  Yielding ourselves to Him is vital in listening to His voice.

So mediate upon the Lord – His majestic glory, faithfulness, goodness and wonderful promises.  Meditate on who He is, the Great I AM, and you will come to know His character and presence in a deep fresh way!e to edit.